Protein baked oats with strawberry skyr

Protein baked oats with strawberry skyr

35 min
Start your day with our protein baked oats recipe, a delicious twist on a classic breakfast. This dish combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the creamy richness of peanut butter, transforming simple oats into a warm, satisfying treat. Topped with luscious skyr and fresh berries, it’s a meal that’s as easy to make as it is flavourful. Perfect for starting a busy day or enjoying as a post-workout snack, this recipe will soon be one of your favourites!
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/protein-baked-oats-with-strawberry-skyr/

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  • In a bowl, combine the oatmeal, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and salt, mixing thoroughly.
  • In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, then stir in the eggs and peanut butter until the mixture is uniform.
  • Pour the banana and egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well to form a batter.
  • Optional: grate a small amount of fresh ginger into the batter for extra flavour.
  • Gently fold in the frozen berries, being careful not to crush them.
  • Grease a 15 x 15 cm ovenproof dish with butter or a little oil, or line it with baking paper for easy cleanup. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and set.
  • Serve the baked oats warm with a dollop of skyr and fresh berries.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!
Prevent a dried out baked oats

Start by mashing the bananas thoroughly, as their natural sweetness and moisture play a key role in keeping the dish soft. Mix the ingredients just until combined – overmixing can lead to a dense and dry texture. Keep an eye on it around the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking, ensuring the oats stay tender and flavourful. Greasing the baking dish or lining it with parchment paper helps retain moisture during baking by creating a barrier. For extra softness, consider covering it loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then removing it to let the top brown lightly. Finally, serve your baked oats warm, and pair with skyr or fresh berries to enhance their creamy, moist texture. These steps will ensure perfectly tender and flavourful baked oats every time.

Mash bananas like a pro

Properly mashed bananas are key to achieving a smooth and evenly mixed batter. Place the bananas in a large bowl with enough space to work. Use the back of a sturdy fork or a potato masher to press down on the bananas in a circular motion, breaking them into smaller pieces. For an ultra-smooth texture, mash until there are no visible lumps. To make the process even easier, warm them slightly: pop the unpeeled bananas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a warm oven for a minute or two. The heat softens the flesh without cooking it, making it easier to mash. With these tips, your bananas will integrate seamlessly into the batter, ensuring perfectly moist and flavourful protein baked oats every time.

Experiment with baking time for different textures

Adjusting the baking time of this protein baked oats recipe can change its texture significantly. For a softer, slightly gooey consistency, reduce the baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness at around 20-25 minutes. The centre should still be slightly moist, giving the dish a pudding-like texture. If you prefer firmer, more cake-like baked oats, bake for the full 30 minutes or slightly longer, ensuring the top is golden brown and the centre is fully set. Keep in mind that baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your dish, so keep an eye on the oats as they bake. Experimenting with the timing allows you to customise the dish to suit your taste and desired texture.

Questions about this protein baked oats recipe

This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying start to your day. Here, we answer common questions about preparing this flavourful breakfast, including tips on storage, choosing the best ingredients, and perfecting the texture.

How should I store leftovers?
For short-term storage, keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. You can enjoy them chilled, let them come to room temperature, or warm them briefly in the microwave before serving. For extended storage, baked oats can be frozen either before or after baking and will keep for up to three months. To freeze before baking, pour the batter into freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator and follow the recipe as normal. To freeze after baking, store the oats in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the microwave, or thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy cold, at room temperature, or warmed up. These methods ensure your baked oats are ready whenever you need them.
What types of berries work best for this protein baked oats recipe?
For the batter, most types of frozen berries work beautifully as they retain their shape during baking and release natural juices, adding bursts of flavour throughout the oats. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are particularly popular choices, as they balance the sweetness of the bananas and peanut butter with their slight tartness. For the topping, our recipe recommends fresh berries for their vibrant colour and texture. Sliced strawberries, whole blueberries, or a mix of raspberries and blackberries create a visually appealing and flavourful garnish. Fresh berries also add a refreshing contrast to the warm baked oats, especially when paired with a dollop of skyr.
How do I know the baked oats is ready?
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. The edges should pull away slightly from the sides of the baking dish, indicating that the oats are fully cooked. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The middle should no longer appear wet or jiggly but should have a soft, set texture. Additionally, you might notice a slight crackling or puffing on the surface, which is a good sign the oats are fully baked.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

146 Kcal

Fibre 4.7 gram fibers
Protein 4.8 %
Carbohydrates 10.7 %
Fat 9.4 gram

Ingredients

Coarsely rolled oats
80 g
Vanilla
1 tsp
Baking powder
1 tsp
Salt
½ tsp
Bananas (approx. 200g)
2
Eggs
2
Creamy peanut butter (approx. 20 g)
1 tbsp
Ginger, freshly grated (optional, to taste)
Frozen berries
70 g
Topping
Skyr, strawberry (30 g)
1 tbsp
Fresh berries
30 g

Make your own peanut butter

Making your own peanut butter for this protein baked oats recipe adds a personal touch and delivers a fresher, more natural taste. With just peanuts, a food processor or mini blender, and a bit of patience, you can create this homemade protein peanut butter in no time. Its rich, nutty flavour pairs beautifully with the oats, enhancing the dish and making it even more satisfying. Plus, it’s the perfect way to elevate this recipe with a simple, homemade ingredient.

Prepare ahead for easy mornings

Streamline your mornings by preparing the components of your protein baked oats the night before. Store the dry ingredients – oats, baking powder, and salt – in one airtight container, and mix the wet ingredients – mashed bananas, eggs, and peanut butter – in another. Refrigerate the wet mixture overnight to keep it fresh and allow the flavours to meld.

When you're ready to bake, simply combine the two mixtures and follow the recipe as usual. This method not only saves time but also enhances the flavour and texture, as the oats absorb the wet ingredients, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a gourmet-style breakfast without the morning rush.

Optimising baking temperatures

Achieving perfectly baked oats starts with the right baking temperature. Stick to 180 °C for a balance of even cooking and golden browning. A higher temperature may cause the edges to cook too quickly while leaving the centre underdone, while a lower temperature could result in a dense texture.

For consistent results, preheat your oven fully before baking, and place the dish on the middle rack to ensure even heat distribution. If your oats are browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking. By optimising your oven temperature and positioning, you’ll ensure your baked oats turn out perfectly cooked, with a tender interior and lightly golden top every time.

Enhance this protein baked oats recipe with a dash of spice

For a flavourful twist, elevate breakfast with warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. These spices beautifully complement the natural sweetness of bananas and the rich nuttiness of peanut butter, creating a more dynamic and satisfying dish. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick or a dash of turmeric to introduce subtle earthy warmth and a vibrant colour. These simple additions can transform your baked oats into a more complex and exciting breakfast experience.

Blend the oats for a smoother texture

For a velvety and uniform texture, consider blending the oats before mixing them into the batter. Use a blender or food processor to pulse the oats into a fine flour-like consistency. This helps the oats integrate seamlessly into the batter, eliminating any grainy texture and creating a smoother, more cake-like result.

If you prefer a balance between smoothness and texture, blend only half of the oats while leaving the rest whole for a slight chew. This technique allows you to customise the consistency to your liking while ensuring the oats cook evenly and absorb the flavours more effectively. Blended oats also contribute to a lighter, more cohesive batter, making your breakfast even more enjoyable.